Donald Trump is surging in New Hampshire and is now in second place, just behind former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, according to a poll released Tuesday.
While many political commentators have predicted that Trump's candidacy will likely be short-lived, the billionaire real estate developer and reality TV star is gaining popularity in the Granite State, according to the latest
survey by the Suffolk University Political Research Center of 500 likely Republican primary voters conducted June 18-22.
"We continue to excel in the Granite State, where my message resonates strongly with the hard-working people of New Hampshire, who like me, want to 'Make America Great Again,'" Trump said in a statement.
Trump's campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, said that "it’s clear that Republicans are ready to seek leadership outside of Washington. Mr. Trump is the only candidate with a proven record of getting things done."
Here's a breakdown of the poll:
- Bush: 14 percent
- Trump: 11 percent
- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker: 8 percent
- Florida Sen. Marco Rubio: 7 percent
- Dr. Ben Carson: 6 percent
- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: 5 percent
Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina were all tied at 4 percent. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Ohio Gov. John Kasich were tied at 2 percent.
The remaining six candidates included in the poll had a combined total of 4 percent of New Hampshire voters' support: former New York Gov. George Pataki, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, and former Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich.
However, Suffolk University noted that 29 percent of the Republican voters in the Granite State said they are undecided.
"Jeb Bush continues to lead, but Donald Trump has emerged as an anti-Jeb Bush alternative in New Hampshire," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center.
"Many of those who like Trump are voting for him," Paleologos said, "and although many more dislike him, the unfavorables are split up among many other candidates. It’s the politics of plurality."
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